Postural stability in subjects with temporomandibular disorders and healthy controls: A comparative assessment

Purpose of the study: The influence of the stomatognathic apparatus on body posture is a continuously discussed topic with contrasting results. The aim of this study is to analyze differences in postural stability between subjects with and without myogenous TMD. Methods: 25 subjects affected by myogenous TMD according with DC/TMD (6 males, 19 females; mean age 31.75 +/- 6.68 years) and a healthy control group of 19 subjects (4 Males, 15 Females; mean age 27.26 +/- 3.85 years) were enrolled in the study. Both groups underwent a posturo-stabilometric force platform exam under different mandibular and visual conditions. Sway area and sway velocity of the COP (Center Of foot Pressure) posturo-stabilometric parameters were evaluated and compared applying Mann-U-Whitney statistical test. Results: The sway area and sway velocity parameters resulted statistically significantly higher in the TMD group (sway area p < 0.01; sway velocity p < 0.05) in mandibular maximum intercuspation and rest positions with eyes open. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a significant difference in body postural stability between subjects with myogenous TMD and healthy controls. In particular, sway area and sway velocity postural parameters are increased in these subjects.